Roscoe

Remodeling and recovery at R&L Ceramic Studio

After the problems of 2022, Linda Littlejohn of R&L Ceramics in Roscoe will soon begin a new life.

Jean Seegers

Nov 18, 2022 — 3 min read

Linda Littlejohn is the owner of R&L Ceramics at 10697 Main St. in Roscoe. The ceramic studio has been at the present location for over 40 years. The building has been completely renovated and is open for business after a lengthy hiatus.

It’s been 40 years since Linda Littlejohn opened R&L Ceramics, at 10697 Main St. in Roscoe. The studio has always been buzzing with activity. However, the years have taken their toll on both the interior as well as the exterior of the building.

About a year ago, Littlejohn decided it was time to expand and renovate the store and the 2- bedroom apartment she owns right next door.

She hired XL Contractors in Loves Park to repair, expand, reconstruct, paint and generally improve the properties. The construction work involved new dry wall, new roof, new appliances in the apartment and a lot of updating.

“We had to move everything out, and then back in,” Littlejohn said. “The store was closed for over six months.

Work was pretty well completed Aug. 1, 2022, and Littlejohn was looking forward to opening her doors. However, the following week, Littlejohn was on a ladder painting the outside of the building when she fell off the ladder, breaking her collarbone and two bones in her pelvis. It was a long recovery, but she is now open for business.

front of R&L Ceramics. Roscoe IL, with sign "Classes Gifts Parties Supplies." — R&L Ceramics has been a thriving business for 40 years. The studio is located at 10697 Main St. in Roscoe.

Classes are offered for adults and for children. “I have students that have been with me all through the last 40 years. Ages range from four to 102.” The studio is more than just a place to create art, it’s also a place to relax, learn and socialize.

R&L Ceramics is open to all ages. “Everyone works at their own pace. Classes are available for both adults and children,

Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00-9:00 pm, Wednesdays and Fridays, 12:00-5:00 pm. “This is an open studio, clients can call to make an appointment,” Littlejohn said.

Cost is $20 per three-hour class.

Littlejohn instructs students from the beginning to the end of their project. She makes all of the molds, and fires the products in the studio kilns.

Two boys at a table painting ceramics with glaze — These young artists are creating unique ceramic pieces at R&L Studio in Roscoe. The boys are among children and adult students at the ceramics studio in Roscoe.

Littlejohn does production work for private companies. One of her ongoing projects is for a company in Cape Girardeau, MO. She makes salt and pepper shakers for the National Salt and Pepper Association.

Littlejohn sells greenware (unpainted and unfired pieces) and pieces that she has personally created.

She will be helping children create their own Christmas ornaments during Roscoe’s free Community Hometown Holidays celebration, Dec. 10, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M.

Littlejohn is looking forward to the new year after the problems and travails of 2022. She will soon begin a new life. She recently became engaged to Luis Roldan. They are planning a wedding in May.

Roldan (Mr. Christmas) is the creator of the spectacular yearly Christmas display at his home in Hodges Run, in Roscoe. He will be turning on the lights at dusk, Thanksgiving evening.

For more information regarding ceramics classes and hours, call 815-623-6633, or visit R&L Ceramics on Facebook.